Imps into Angels

Framing Memories.
Memories of family and friends’ weddings are tucked away in drawers with the antique handkerchiefs, a couple of monogrammed spoons that speak of another lifetime, and, my children’s Picasso-like drawings.  All of these have memories and heirloom status.  One of these days when there’s time, each little precious memory may get really framed.

For the Love of Weddings.
I adore going to weddings and so do my children.  Small weddings, large weddings, very elaborate and very modest weddings.  I adore and respect with how couples bring their own touch to every delightful detail.  I love to experience the whole construction.   From one couple that wanted soft-spoken simplicity, to another couple who wanted to express their personality, it‘s all very interesting to me.

Then, us lucky guests get to attend the first layer. The dressing up, anticipation and the ceremony. The children, if not directly involved may find this a bit drawn out and even wonder, “why is the mom blubbering away up in the front Ma?” The second, the wonder of the journey to the hotel. Whereas, the little ones will ask, “I gotta go to the bathroom Dada!” Third, the music throbbing through socials and cocktails. Children wondering how they shrunk the candle corn down to just one inch.  Fourth, joyous conversations over the sit-down dinner. Kids want to know, “hey Ma, where’s the cake and ice cream?” Fifth, being able to dance and dance and get hopelessly out-jigged by older relatives, (& with my older relatives you can get out-jigged!)   Boy, what a deal!

I’ll go to a Stranger’s Wedding.
I’m always grateful when an invitation arrives to attend weddings.  In fact, I love them so much, I’d go to a total stranger’s wedding.  I make it my responsibility to make it a wonderful day for the bride and groom, for the family and for myself.   The amount of effort, time, and often stress, plus expense ‘to put on’ any event; well, I think they deserve a grand day.  The best way to support and thank the couple is to be grateful attendees with loving hearts.

Reuters News reported that the average cost of a wedding in the U.S.A. in 2012 is around $27,000 and in places like NY, it is $66,000. Now, I may be overly pragmatic, but you can still be all lubby dubby, put on the fancy Victoria Secret wedding knickers, carry the wee lass over the threshold et. al. and take that $60,000 toward a down payment on a home by heck. But, for those that don’t and invest their parent’s money like Bernard Madoff; you better show up and look like you LOVE IT!!

A favorite thing about Weddings - Flower Children:  Those little imps turn into angels. 
There is something about a celebration that turns imps into cherubs.  It is amusing to see little children dress up for weddings, it’s like giving them a glimpse into their future.  Children looking so grown up, yet cherubic.   Whether it is the promise of a sweet flower frosted cupcake; or the promise of a tulle dress with many ruffles, or the dash and panache of a suit on the boys,  childhood memories are made; it is delightful and magical.

My children still talk about a wedding we attended in Eau Claire a few years ago.  The invitation included and welcomed the pitter-patter of little feet so the promises of a high spirited wedding was anticipated.   And, it gave me an opportunity to teach the children how to act during weddings, and train them on some table and social manners.  The bride had made a most beautiful table just for children.  It was a sweet heaven. 

Initially the little imps were gathered there to unravel the mysteries of the rite of passage I’m sure, but soon I discovered the little imps were more interested in unraveling the mysteries of how to nibble ever so carefully into the lavish bouquets of butter cream icing from the cakes.

Later, the little impish children danced in a circles.   They began to care diddle-squat about their silk, lace, tulle, dash and panache.  In their teeny-weeny world, they found a way to play hide-and-seek with one another and new found-friends without bothering anyone else’s enjoyment. 

It never bothers me when brides and grooms desire to allow children or not at their weddings.   They should never be shamed or guilted into or outta anything (at $30,000 a pop).   I’ll have fun no matter what.  But when they are around, I love to watch children’s spontaneity, wide eyed enthusiasm and general energy.  They are the true wedding crashers. They may not know the groom with the Robin Egg Blue tuxedo; they may have never heard of The Whoopie John Polka Band and they probably have little knowledge of the Chicken Dance -- but they’ll run around and support whatever shinanigans the host proposes. So, more kids and more champagne!